1.
absentminded, distracted, inattentive
A mental state where one's attention is elsewhere and not focused on the present situation or conversation.
彼は上の空で聞いていた。
He was listening absentmindedly.
話を聞いているのに上の空だね。
You're supposed to be listening, but you seem distracted.
試験のことが心配で、授業中も上の空だった。
I was so worried about the exam that I was distracted throughout the class.
ETYMOLOGY:
Literally 'the upper sky' - suggesting that one's mind has floated up and away, not grounded in the present moment.
USAGE PATTERNS:
- 上の空で聞く (to listen absentmindedly)
- 上の空の返事 (a distracted reply)
- 上の空になる (to become distracted)
The expression is often used as a na-adjective: 上の空な態度 (a distracted attitude).